Seattle Seahawks free agency 2019: Top 5 targets

Pete Carroll’s team overcame a slow start in 2018 and rallied to reach the playoffs. What additions could the Seattle Seahawks make in free agency this year?

Off the team’s first non-playoff appearance since 2011 and losers of their first two games this past season, the Seattle Seahawks appeared to be trending downwards. But Pete Carroll’s club gathered itself and wound up winning 10 of their final 14 games and made the postseason for the sixth time in seven years.

But the ‘Hawks are also in a division with the defending NFC champion Los Angeles Rams, who outlasted Carroll’s club twice in 2018. Can this club build on last season’s turnaround and challenge for a division title? And what five players could this franchise focus on during free agency?

5. TE Dwayne Allen (Released by New England Patriots)

In terms of the passing game, veteran tight end Dwayne Allen was basically a non-factor when it came to the New England Patriots over the past two seasons. He played in 29 regular-season contests and six postseason tilts with the club and finished with 13 receptions, good for 113 yards and one score. That includes zero catches in those aforementioned half-dozen playoff games.

There has been talk that the reigning Super Bowl champions may be interested in bringing him back. But ESPN’s Josina Anderson has reported that numerous clubs have already shown an interest in the seven-year pro. During his five years with the Indianapolis Colts (57 contests), Allen hauled in 126 passes, 20 for touchdowns. Would he be an asset for a Seahawks’ team that features three-year pro Nick Vannett, 2018 fourth-round pick Will Dissly and veteran Ed Dickson at tight end? That trio did combine for eight touchdowns last season.